Shay Given Questions Aston Villa and Newcastle’s Sustained Champions League Challenge

Former goalkeeper Shay Given has expressed doubts about the consistent ability of his previous clubs, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, to regularly compete for a Champions League spot. He attributed his skepticism to the demanding schedule of games and his view that their “squad’s aren’t strong enough.” Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, the ex-Republic of Ireland international also remarked on the phenomenon that the “same teams are at the top.” Given suggested that both Villa and the Magpies might ultimately find themselves settling for a pattern of “one season Champions League, the next season mid table.”